YouTube updates its mobile offerings

YouTube expanded its offerings for mobile phones today, giving people access to more videos and more personalization tools.

Now cell phone users can see millions of videos, most of what YouTube offers PC users. They can also log-in, leave comments, rate videos and view their favorites and selected channels. You can visit the mobile YouTube site at m.youtube.com.

In the past, YouTube offered a stripped down version of its service for mobile users that featured a small number of videos. IPhone and Helio users were able to get a more optimized experience, but most users were left with the basic no-frills version. Now, YouTube is saying they’ve worked with handset makers like Motorola, LG, Helio, Nokia and others to provide a smooth and full experience.

You’ll need a phone with high-speed 3G data access and you’ll want to be paying for an unlimited data plan. But if you have both, you can zoom through the familiar YouTube menu and pick out videos to watch and share.

YouTube said it’s also releasing a downloadable version for a limited number of Java-based phones. They include the Sony Ericsson k800 and w880 and the Nokia e65, n95, n73, 6110 navigator and 6120 classic.

Check out the service if you have a moment. You can see video’s like the one above, featuring some friends of mine doing a nice Backstreet Boys parody.